On the 6th June 2013, St Mary’s Church Walesby celebrated its 100 year anniversary with a special service at the church followed by a buffet lunch at the village hall. Interest in the event was superb, and over 100 people accepted a personal invitation to attend. The church and village hall were full to capacity. The guest list included 20 members of the Laurence family who are descendents of the Reverend Perceval Laurence, rector of Walesby from 1879 to 1913. It was Perceval Laurence’s efforts that secured the new church for Walesby and ironically he died on the 6th June 1913, the very day that the building of St Mary’s commenced.
The church centenary was also marked with the launch of Peter Starling’s new book: Walesby – A Lincolnshire Village History. (See separate page on this website.)
Guest of honour Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (husband of Anne, HRH The Princess Royal) officiated at the book launch which took place after the lunch in the village hall. Proceeds from the sale of the book are in aid of St Mary’s Church.
The event was a huge success. The weather was lovely, the service excellent, the church full, and the buffet afterwards was delicious. Thank you to everyone who took part.
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Here is a link to an excellent report written by Paula Starling about the day.
Centenary report